Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is set to receive medical treatment abroad following issues relating to her health.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, March 30, officials disclosed that the Vice President fell ill after work on Friday, March 28, and was rushed to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Saturday for medical attention.
Following medical treatment at the UGMC, medical specialists have recommended additional care, necessitating her transfer to a facility outside the country for advanced treatment.
Although the exact sickness was not disclosed, the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang receives the highest standard of medical attention.
It is unknown the exact date the Vice President will be flown outside the country and her next destination for treatment. It is believed that these pieces of information will be provided by the Presidency in the coming days.
Prior to report of the Veep’s illness, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang attended an Iftar gathering, the fast-breaking meal during Ramadan, on March 27. The event was hosted at the Flagstaff House the day before her illness.
The announcement of the veep’s referral abroad for medical care has sparked debates about the long-standing challenges the country’s health system is facing.
This is not the first time a high ranking official is seeking medical treatment abroad.Ken Ofori-Atta, Nana Bediatuo Asante, and John Kumah are notable figures who sought medical treatment abroad. Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister, traveled for medical care due to health challenges, as confirmed by his legal team.
Former Executive Secretary to President Akufo-Addo, Nana Bediatuo Asante, spent nearly seven months in the United States for treatment following a serious health condition. The late Deputy Finance Minister, was undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma in Germany before his condition deteriorated and later died in Ghana.
Consequently, some netizens have called on the government to ramp up efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system while others have also wished Professor Naana Jane.
Ghana’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen supply issues, and water supply disruptions.
A very recent case was the KATH suspending surgeries over water supply. Also, the “No Bed Syndrome” is a critical issue, with the hospital-bed-to-population falling below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum.
